Amplify your giving with a proven network
Learn how the So Will I Network maximizes every dollar’s effectiveness.
Gain The Power of a Connected Network
For years, we simply granted money to charity partners. But we discovered something powerful: when partners connect with each other, they share best practices, contacts, and can collaborate to serve the same populations more effectively.
By bringing accomplished donors into the network, we provide charitable partners with:
Industry expertise (marketing, manufacturing, HR)
Professional connections and referrals
Operational consulting and support
Sustained funding partnerships
The result: Charity partners become more supported, more connected, and more effective.
Mission
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Mission 〰️
We exist to multiply impact and connect the good work of donors and charitable partners. We've granted millions as a private family foundation, but we recognize that true impact comes from building a network of like-minded individuals working together.
We aggregate donations and deploy them as effectively and efficiently as possible to proven partners serving those most at risk.
Where We Focus
GLOBALLY
Food Insecurity
Slave Trade/Sex Trafficking Relief
Community Development
DOMESTICALLY:
Foster Care Support and Post-Foster Care Empowerment
Programs for People with Special Needs
We focus on five critical areas serving those who cannot help themselves – those in “at-risk” situations:
What Inspired Our Name
"So Will I" comes from a song by Hillsong United. While we support charitable partners of all varieties—both secular and religious—our Board are committed followers of Jesus Christ.
The song's lyrics resonate with our mission:
"If You gave Your life to love them, so will I"
It's our collective response.
We've said "So Will I"—and we hope you will too.
Meet our Board of Directors
Experienced leaders bringing decades of expertise in nonprofit management, operations, finance, and charitable work
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Ashley has served on the Board since 2010 and has previously acted as the Secretary. Ashley’s background is in Early Childhood Education and she is intimately familiar with, and passionate about, the mental, emotional, and physical development of children. Ashley holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an Early Education focus from Colorado State University. She also holds her Master’s Degree in Education from Regent University. Ashley is a champion of those in dire need of food, love, and support. Following a mission trip to Eswatini, Africa in 2019, Ashley has brought Global Development partners into the Network and continues to advocate for sustainable community development on the continent. Ashley resides in Colorado with her family.
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Appointed to the Board in 2025, Kristine brings incredible clarity of thought and a calm wisdom to our team. An educator by training and background, Kristine has perfected the art of asking difficult and important questions while maintaining a kind and loving demeanor. She adds tremendous value to our work as a new member of the Board. Kristine’s experience as a teacher helps our charitable partners focus on the root cause of problems and ignore the noise as they work to serve their communities. She serves as our Secretary and helps keep our Board efficient so that we can best serve the Network.
Kristine resides in Tennessee with her family. She is passionate about helping those with Special Needs and those in difficult situations around the globe.
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Pat is one of the original Co-Founders of So Will I (previously the McDonnell Family Foundation). Her heart for others is truly her defining quality. She has been the hands and feet of the organization for the last twenty five years, dedicating much of her time to building relationships and providing support and encouragement to our charitable partners.
Pat is the Chairwoman of Mama’s House Ministries in California, where she helps to run a shelter for women. She chairs our “Children’s Board” which trains up the next generation of So Will I leaders and distributes micro-grants to organizations of the childrens’ choosing. Pat is passionate about helping those with Special Needs and those navigating the Foster care system and life after emancipation. Pat splits her time between California and Colorado, enjoying the fruits of her retirement.
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A new member to our Board in 2025, Cori is an extraordinarily talented jack-of-all-trades. Her heart for others is truly infectious and she oozes compassion and empathy in every interaction. Cori has experience in ministry roles as well as in entrepreneurship where she runs her own very successful business. Her eye for design is inspiring. Cori relates well with our charitable partners who are running ventures and feeling the stress of operating a nonprofit. Cori has a knack for cutting to the heart behind the issues and is a critical piece of our Board as she advocates for those doing the difficult work of service to others.
Cori resides in Tennessee with her family and is passionate about Global Development and ensuring the next meal for children around the globe.
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Matt has served on the Board since 2001 and was elected as President in 2024, taking over for the original Founding members. Additionally, Matt manages the Endowment of So Will I and holds active Series 7 and Series 66 investment licenses. Matt has a Bachelors in Finance from the University of Denver and an MBA from Dartmouth College. He holds his Certified Investment Management Analyst designation as earned from the Yale School of Management.
With extensive experience in corporate roles in finance, marketing, and operations, Matt brings the business know-how to our work. He is committed to making So Will I ruthlessly efficient so that every donated dollar goes directly to charitable partners rather than to administrative costs. Beyond his corporate experience, Matt has also served as the Business Manager of a large church and has consulted with innumerable charitable partners to help them improve their business processes. Matt resides in Colorado with his family and is passionate about freeing people from slave trade around the globe.
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Since his appointment to the Board in 2025, Todd brings the heart of a Pastor to our work. He has been a Worship Pastor for over 20 years and currently works as the Executive Director of a Christian Summer Camp in Wisconsin. Todd has worked in the nonprofit space for most of his career and he understands intimately the challenges associated with being a charitable partner. His empathy for those with boots-on-the-ground informs our work and our processes, and Todd always acts as an advocate for the wellness and encouragement of our charitable partners.
Todd lives in Wisconsin with his family and is passionate about Global Development and rescuing people from sex trafficking both at home and abroad.
Our Legacy
So Will I was first known as the McDonnell Family Foundation - named after its Founders, Jack and Pat McDonnell. Both Founders grew up in “at-risk” situations and wanted to use their expertise and success to support children in similar circumstances. Founded in 2000, the Foundation has since granted over 25 Million Dollars to charitable partners around the country and the globe.
So… will you?
“I can see Your heart in everything You've done
Every part designed in a work of art called love
If You gladly chose surrender so will I
I can see Your heart
Eight billion different ways
Every precious one
A child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them so will I”
– Lyrics from "So Will I (100 Billion X)" by Hillsong UNITED, © 2017
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